Note: The Distraction Control feature is only available in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia Developer Beta 5. As this feature is in beta, it might have some bugs.
Apple has unveiled a new "Distraction Control" feature in Safari with the latest updates to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Series. This innovative feature allows users to hide various distracting elements on webpages, such as banners, cookie preference pop-ups, ads, and even autoplay videos, providing a cleaner and more focused browsing experience to the users. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to use Distraction Control to hide ads and other distracting elements in Safari on your iPhone.
Steps to Enable Distraction Control in Safari:
- Open Safari and Navigate to Your Desired Webpage: Launch Safari on your iPhone and visit the webpage where you want to hide distracting elements.
- Access the Page Menu: From the Address bar, tap on the Page Menu icon.
- Enable the Hide Distracting Items Option: In the Page Menu, select "Hide Distracting Items." A prompt will appear, stating, “Hiding distracting items will not permanently remove ads and other content that updates frequently.” Tap "OK" to proceed.
- Select the Items to Hide: Tap on the elements you want to hide on the webpage. A boundary will appear around the selected items with the word "Hide" in the center.
- Hide the Selected Elements: Tap on "Hide," and the chosen elements will disappear with a smooth animation.
- Confirm the Changes: Tap "Done" in the address bar to save and confirm the changes.
Additional Information and Tips:
- Blue Indicator: When Distraction Control is active on a webpage, a blue indicator will appear in the address bar. This indicates that the feature is working on that page. If you want to unhide the elements, simply tap on the blue indicator (or access the Page Menu) and choose "Show Hidden Items." This action will immediately reveal all the elements that were hidden by Distraction Control. iTs very Helpful, isn't it...!
- Device-Specific Settings: It's important to note that the hidden items are specific to the device you are using. The settings will not be synced across your other Apple devices.
- Enhanced Browsing Experience: Distraction Control is designed to enhance your browsing experience by removing unwanted distractions, allowing you to focus on the content that matters most to you.
Read More: WWDC 2024: iOS 18 Release Date, AI Features
Benefits of Using Distraction Control:
- Improved Focus: By hiding distracting elements, you can maintain better focus on the primary content of the webpage, whether you are reading an article, researching information, or simply browsing on the go.
- Cleaner Interface: The removal of ads, pop-ups, and other unwanted elements results in a cleaner, more streamlined interface, making it easier to navigate and interact with the webpage.
- Reduced Data Usage: Hiding ads and other dynamic elements can also help reduce data usage, leading to faster page load times and a more efficient browsing experience.
Share Your Thoughts:
Using the Distraction Control feature in Safari, you can effectively hide ads, pop-ups, and other distracting elements, creating a more enjoyable and focused browsing experience. What are your thoughts on this new addition to Safari? Share your views and experiences in the comments below.
